Re: Chava Alberstein

[Marvin <physchem...>]

Keep in mind the political situation in Israel.

First, the majority of Israelis are decended from Sephardis.  Much of the
political split is along Sephardi vs. Ashkenazi lines, and for many people
it is a very intense matter.

Who speaks Yiddish in Israel?  Mostly, it is the ultrareligious, some of
them anti-Zionists, and often tied to groups based in Brooklyn.  Many,
probably most, Isrealis are more cultural than religious; not much different
from the U.S., but the Israeli culture isn't especially Eastern European
based.  And when the ultrareligious try to shut the country down on Shabbat,
the other Israelis resent it.

So when some Israelis reject the Yiddish language, it isn't so much the
language as all that they associate it with.

----- Original Message -----
From: "CJ Walker" <louis2louis2000 (at) yahoo(dot)com>
To: "World music from a Jewish slant" <jewish-music (at) shamash(dot)org>
Sent: Wednesday, November 21, 2001 2:37 PM
Subject: Re: Chava Alberstein


>
> here's a translated review of "Foreign Letters" from
> MOOMA in Israel:
>
>
> "Yiddish is the most hated languages in Israel.  And
> it is not the usual case of a 'foreign" entity which
> usually manages to attract hate.  And it is not
> because language is the most bold implementation of
> being a foreigner, or because it is something
> distorted, unpleasant to the ear.  It has to do with
> SELF HATRED and fear.  Everybody hates Yiddish,
> especially those to whom Yiddish is close...  However
> in the last years there is a cultural reaction and the
> Yiddish is ones again struggling for her life.  Chava
> Alberstein carries a royal role in this struggle.
>
> "'Foreign Letters' is a new international album which
> she has released.  It is on the most distinguished
> label 'Naive' and it contains 12 new songs - 5 in
> Yiddish, 6 in Hebrew and one, the title song in
> English.  After more than 40 albums in Hebrew, one in
> English, and six in Yiddish, Chava's international
> career is more successful than ever....In past years
> Chava Alberstein has strengthened her move which takes
> Yiddish songs in a more folk-like style.  Simple and
> warm.  The work on 'Foreign Letters' was done with Ben
> Mink who produced K.D. Lang's biggest hits.  He was
> also a partner to one of the Rolling Stones' latest
> hits (Anybody Seen My Baby)...Even without
> understanding Yiddish, the aim in the songs is clear
> and precise, and Alberstein's love of the juicy
> language is simply infectious.  The album which was
> recorded in Canada wraps the Yiddish songs in such a
> wrap which enables the Israeli audience to come closer
> the language which is being refreshed through the
> wonderful rich production.
>
> "But not all of the album is Yiddish.  Most of the
> songs are in Hebrew and there are here songs which are
> of Alberstein's best ever.  'Liar' which compiles both
> a east European flavor with a gypsy; 'The Ladder'
> which is a mature smart ballad; 'Indifferent', and
> 'Passport Control' - energetic, clear cut. nervous,
> brilliant text and a virtuosi performance by
> Alberstein.
>
> " 'Foreign Letters' offers the world a representative
> of an Israeli who used to be the establishment, and
> now working her way through a new world.  Alberstein
> at her best - vocally, presentation of a song,
> writing, her stubbornness, her vitality.  She
> strengthens the depth of her authentic parts as a
> writer, and encounters everything which is both
> private and general.  She continues to write songs
> that matter, does not care about fashions, and coming
> to think about it, it is Alberstein, who use to be the
> symbol of the middle of the road, she is, in her own
> independent way, is actually rebelling - one of the
> very few, and definitely in a big way."
>
>
> > itzik wrote:
> > >
> > > Anyone know of interviews with, or profiles of
> > Chava Alberstein on the web?
> > > - Itzik Gottesman
> > >
> >
> > ---------------------- jewish-music (at) shamash(dot)org
> > ---------------------+
> >